RIP! Goutam Halder, Director Of Vidya Balan’s First Film Passes Away At The Age Of 67!

Goutam Halder, a Bengali filmmaker and prominent theatrical figure, died on Friday. In Kolkata, he died of a heart attack. He was 67. According to PTI, Halder complained of chest trouble at his Salt Lake City home on Friday morning and was brought to a private hospital. He allegedly died in the hospital. In 2003, he directed Vidya Balan in his debut Bengali film, ‘Bhalo Theko’.

Meanwhile, according to Anandabazaar, Vidya Balan arrived in Kolkata on Friday evening to pay her respects to Goutam Halder. She also expressed her sadness at his untimely death. Vidya Balan played the lead in his first film, ‘Bhalo Theko’ (2003), which also marked the debut of the Parineeta actress in a prominent role.

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Goutam Halder planned Vidya Balan's trip to Kolkata for Durga Puja this year. "My film career began with Goutam da 20 years ago," Vidya Balan told the Telegraph India. That was the last time I went to his residence. I'm heading there again today." Meanwhile, Halder lavished praise on Vidya, claiming that he found her and placed her in his 2003 film ‘Bhalo Theko'. "I always knew she was a talented actress," he stated.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses her condolences:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences shortly after Goutam Halder's death was announced. "Saddened by the demise of distinguished film director and theatre personality Goutam Halder," she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “His death is a huge loss for the world of culture. Condolences to his family and friends."

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Goutam Halder had directed over 80 theatre plays, including Rabindranath Tagore's ‘Rakta Karabi’. He was also the director of the 2019 film ‘Nirvana: The Salvation’, starring Rakhi Gulzar.